For now, that means wildfire danger is increasing. If the trend continues, the region could see drought conditions develop by March or April. That, in turn, means water restrictions could be restarted later this year.

“The fire threat is climbing, so we want people to know it is getting dry out there,” weather service meteorologist Barry Baxter said.

Since Nov. 1 , Fort Lauderdale has recorded 29 percent of its normal rainfall; West Palm Beach, 21 percent and Miami-Dade County 19 percent. Overall, the region has received 4 to 7 inches less rain than normal.

Why so little rain? Mainly because a La Niña-like weather pattern has developed, Baxter said. La Niña, best known for nurturing tropical form formation in summer, tends to dry out the Southeast in winter.